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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.